Etobicoke’s new Civic Centre by Henning Larsen

In collaboration with Adamson Associates Architects and PMA Landscape Architects, Henning Larsen has presented a proposal for Etobicoke’s new Civic Centre in Toronto. The team is one of five shortlisted teams in the international design competition.

The proposal for the new civic centre is designed to meet the myriad scales of its surroundings and provides a microclimate that encourages people to engage in the public realm. We have utilized careful site analysis and local thermal studies to propose a dynamic and coherent design, with a streetscape designed for comfort, microclimate and the human scale.

The comfortable outdoor season is prolonged by up to five weeks. The structure will protect and gently guide the wind above the urban spaces.Through its architectural expression and inviting street presence, the civic centre will stand out as an innovative landmark in Toronto.

Instead of creating one building volume and one square, the project envisions the entire site as a patchwork of squares being elevated to allow space for the program while maintaining public access. The roofs are angled to create pleasant microclimates on the raised terraces and to provide railings. Design Principal and Partner Louis Becker from Henning Larsen presented the project for the public in Toronto on 25 April.

The project reflects a Scandinavian design ethos and ambitions to give back to cities, build on knowledge, and create an inspiring place that welcome people to come together in celebration of community. Etobicoke is a patchwork of diversity. The community has evolved from small villages to suburbs to becoming an integral part of the City of Toronto.

While offering a dynamic public realm and working environment that mirrors the cultural complexity of Etobicoke, this civic centre encourages future neighbourhood growth. It will support and engage all citizens of Etobicoke regardless of age, culture, ability and social standing by creating a sustainable, dynamic, inviting and friendly environment. Source and images, Courtesy of Henning Larsen Architects.